August 29, 2002, Thursday- the rains that I caught in PA, made their way north and east, and it rained all night and most of the day. Stinky Hobbes as he is the wet head.

We went to a new store in Morristown called Century 21 Department store. This discount clothing store, occupying the old Bamberger's store on the "Green", was packed with bargains. I picked up 5 new dress shirts, but passed on the suits and sports jackets. They looked too much like winter in the north. Someplace else will get our money.

At 3:30 we headed down to Warrington, PA to see our friends Beth and Irv, from Marco Island. This is their insane time researching tax sale certificates coming to auction on Sept. 9. Beth was waiting for us at 5, but Irv didn't get back home until after 8, so it was a late dinner at Luigi's a great Italian restaurant. We rolled home to David's at midnight.

August 30, 2002, Friday- we arrived, 100 miles later, at Jeff and Lenore's summer home rental in Pleasant Valley, NY. This magnificent home, built in 1860, cute as a button, was only exceeded by the property in being exquisite. On the grounds were a pool and pool house, reflecting ponds, water falls, lakes and huge trees. It was truly an unbelievable setting.

PEACEFUL VIEW OF INNISFREE PARK	LENORE AND SUSAN

MORE EXQUISITE GARDENS	LILLY PADS IN BLOOM

CHAIRS AWAITING	RICK, ROBERTA, SUSAN, JEFF, LARRY AND LENORE

In the afternoon we went to "Innisfree Park", a gorgeously landscaped lake and garden area. The loop around took about 45 minutes, with each step filled with the beauty of nature.

By dinner time, Rick and Roberta arrived from the City and our dinner was fabulous.

August 31, 2002, Saturday- a few days prior, Jeff had noticed a skunk on the property digging a nest under the sidewalk. A safe cage was purchased, and overnight the cute little black and white critter was captured. Fortunately, when in a small area, skunks usually don't spray their pungent fragrance. Today was no exception. The landlord took the cage and was going to relocate the animal 15 miles from the house.

BUILT IN 1860, AND STILL GONG STRONG	ONE OF SEVERAL REFLECTING PONDS

SKUNK- UNDER CONTROL!	WONDERFUL POOL

Jeff and Lenore again outdid themselves with a multi-course brunch alongside the pool house. Following our overindulgence in food, we drove out to the Town of Rhinebeck, checking out the galleries and antique stores.

CLOSEUP OF BREAKFAST DELIGHTS	JEFF, LENORE, ROBERTA, RICK AND SUSAN BY THE POOL HOUSE

HEAR NO EVIL, SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL....JEFF, LARRY AND RICK	RIB EYE STEAKS- YUMMY!

Dinner, rib eye steaks on the grill, was perfect.

Following dinner, after 8, we then drove 100 miles out to Al and Ginny's on Long Island. Naturally, the chatting started and it was after 1 when we hit the pillows.